How Weak Flag Oversight Is Undermining the Legitimacy of Pacific Island States

How Weak Flag Oversight Is Undermining the Legitimacy of Pacific Island States

Earlier this month, the Cook Islands came under intense scrutiny when a sanctioned oil tanker was identified sailing under its flag while allegedly attempting to evade a U.S. naval blockade.  Under the flag system, responsibility fell on the South Pacific nation to prevent unlawful conduct. Similar incidents in the past have fueled broader doubts over whether some Pacific flag registries possess the adequate capacity, or political will, to polic…